Rojen Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On May 19, 2026, the bulk carrier 'Rojen' encountered a significant operational issue while navigating from Gaeta, Italy to Garrucha, Spain, in the Central Mediterranean Sea. The vessel unexpectedly went 'NUC' (Not Under Command) as it executed a sharp loop, indicating a sudden propulsion failure. At that time, the 'Rojen' was drifting aimlessly at a speed of merely 0.3 knots, caught in tidal currents within international waters stretching between Spain and Algeria. By May 20, the ship was reported adrift with coordinates of 37° 50' N and 001° 51' E, leading authorities to suspect a major mechanical malfunction.

In a dramatic series of events, four Bulgarian crew members from the bulk carrier 'Rojen' successfully returned to Sofia, Bulgaria, during the early hours of October 19, 2023. Their arrival at Sofia Airport came shortly after midnight following a challenging journey marked by setbacks. Despite multiple attempts to return home, they faced difficulties; during the evening of October 18, a flight scheduled to take them back returned to Tel Aviv merely 30 minutes after takeoff due to a technical issue. The urgency of their evacuation arose from a troubling incident on October 7, when a bomb detonated 200 meters away from the 'Rojen,' a situation that left the remaining crew members in a precarious position. Of the total crew, 17 individuals are still on board, consisting of 12 Bulgarians and 5 Ukrainians. At the time of the incident, the 'Rojen' was already partially unloaded but was expected to remain in the volatile region for at least another week. This prompted the necessity for the evacuation of the crew to ensure their safety amid growing tensions.

On August 5, 2023, at 5 a.m., the cargo vessel 'Rojen' departed from the port of Chornomorsk, carrying a significant shipment of corn. The ship is headed for Teesport, with an expected arrival date of August 19. The crew comprises 11 members: five from Bulgaria and six from Ukraine. This vessel had been anchored in Chernomorsk since February 21, 2023, unable to leave until recently. It was only in April that the company was able to successfully change the crew, allowing for the ship's departure.

In a momentous development amid ongoing hostilities, the cargo vessel 'Rojen' has become the pioneer ship to depart from the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk, laden with much-needed grain. This voyage aligns with the recently established agreement for safe passage between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the United Nations last week. The ship is en route to Teesport, located in Great Britain, and boasts insurance coverage through the West of England P&I Club. Since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, more than 80 vessels have remained stranded in various Ukrainian ports, making this departure particularly significant for maritime trade and food supply stability.